Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Urbanna, VA

1d • $32,415 - $55,000

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Some knowledge of personal computers.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Basic human behavior knowledge.
• Mathematics knowledge to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Interviewing techniques knowledge such as data collection and investigation.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information.
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
• Employees are required to participate in emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster as is required by Virginia law.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge in social services policy and procedures.
• Training and related work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Veteran status.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Computes assistance plans;
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED